Aerial Finishing — Headers in the Box
Heading is allowed at U12+ (FA limits per session apply).
◆Why this drill works
Heading is allowed at U12+ (FA limits per session apply). U14 is when the technique starts to matter — strikers who can attack a cross score 3-5 extra goals a season. But most grassroots strikers never practice aerial finishing because their coaches are uncertain about the FA guidance, or skip heading work entirely. This drill stays well within FA limits (max 8 headers per player per session in this drill, ~16 per week if run twice) while building the three angles strikers actually face: (1) back-post header from a far-post cross, (2) near-post flick from a driven cross, (3) attacking header from a lofted ball into the box. Six minutes per angle, controlled volume, technique focus.
▦The drill in three phases
▶How to run it
- Set up on a half-pitch with a goal. Server at the corner with a supply of balls (10-12 balls minimum). Striker starts at the penalty spot.
- Demonstrate the technique: forehead, eyes open, head meets ball (not ball meets head). Body behind the line of the ball, neck firm, follow through DOWN if attacking the goal. 60 seconds of demo, no reps yet.
- Round 1 (5 min, max 6 headers per player) — BACK-POST. Server delivers a high cross to the back-post. Striker arrives late (timing is the key) and heads back across goal — the OPPOSITE direction to the cross. Coach the run: starts deep, stays back, sprints in only as the cross is delivered.
- Round 2 (5 min, max 6 headers per player) — NEAR-POST FLICK. Server delivers a driven cross at near-post height (head height, not lofted). Striker attacks the near post, redirects with a glancing header — top of the head, ball changes direction by 30-45 degrees toward goal.
- Round 3 (4 min, max 4 headers per player) — ATTACKING HEADER. Lofted ball into the central area. Striker times the run from the edge of the box, jumps to the highest point, contacts forehead-down. The classic 'centre-forward header'.
- Round 4 (2 min) — REVIEW. Pull striker(s) in. 'Which angle felt most natural? Where do you score most goals from?' The instinct guides which to drill more next session.
✓Equipment checklist
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Following the shot in for any rebound
- Quick release before the defender or keeper sets
- Body over the ball to keep the shot down
Correct when you see
- Leaning back and ballooning the shot over — get the body over the ball
- Snatching at the shot without setting the feet
- Always going for power — placement beats power near goal
★Kit for this drill — top picks compared
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